Kerala, often referred to as “God’s Own Country,” offers a range of experiences throughout the year. However, the best time to visit is typically from September to March, when the weather is pleasant and suitable for exploring the state’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
20 Things to Do in Kerala
- Backwater Cruise – Enjoy a houseboat ride in Alleppey or Kumarakom.
- Munnar – Explore the lush tea plantations and scenic landscapes.
- Kochi – Visit the historic Fort Kochi, the Chinese Fishing Nets, and the Mattancherry Palace.
- Wayanad – Discover the waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries, and caves.
- Varkala Beach – Relax on the cliffside beach with stunning views.
- Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary – Spot exotic birds in this peaceful sanctuary.
- Thekkady – Experience wildlife safaris and boat rides in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Athirappilly Waterfalls – Witness the largest waterfall in Kerala.
- Padmanabhaswamy Temple – Visit this ancient and richly adorned temple in Thiruvananthapuram.
- Kovalam Beach – Enjoy the sun and sand at this popular beach destination.
- Thiruvananthapuram – Explore the cultural and historical sites of the city.
- Nelliyampathi – Trek through the scenic hill station.
- Bekal Fort – Visit this well-preserved coastal fort.
- Poovar Island – Experience serene backwater cruises and beach settings.
- Sabarimala – Visit this renowned pilgrimage site, especially during the pilgrimage season.
- Malappuram – Explore its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
- Kuttanadu – Discover the unique ecosystem of the region known as the “Rice Bowl of Kerala.”
- Kalaripayattu – Watch a performance or take a class in this traditional martial art.
- Ayurvedic Spa – Indulge in traditional Ayurvedic treatments and wellness therapies.
- Handicraft Shopping – Purchase local crafts, including coir products, spices, and traditional textiles.
20 Hotels in Kerala
Here are some hotels across various budget ranges: (Rates as on 06.09.2024. Rates are tentative, do visit the hotel website to find the current rate).
- The Leela Kovalam
- Rate: $150 – $300 per night
- INR: ₹12,000 – ₹24,000
- Website: The Leela Kovalam
- Kumarakom Lake Resort
- Rate: $200 – $350 per night
- INR: ₹16,000 – ₹28,000
- Website: Kumarakom Lake Resort
- Taj Bekal Resort & Spa
- Rate: $180 – $320 per night
- INR: ₹14,000 – ₹25,000
- Website: Taj Bekal
- Vivanta by Taj – Green Cove
- Rate: $140 – $250 per night
- INR: ₹11,000 – ₹20,000
- Website: Vivanta Green Cove
- Carnoustie Ayurveda & Wellness Resort
- Rate: $200 – $400 per night
- INR: ₹16,000 – ₹32,000
- Website: Carnoustie
- Radisson Blu Resort & Spa
- Rate: $120 – $220 per night
- INR: ₹10,000 – ₹18,000
- Website: Radisson Blu Resort & Spa
- Lake Palace Resort
- Rate: $130 – $230 per night
- INR: ₹10,500 – ₹19,000
- Website: Lake Palace Resort
- Le Meridien Kochi
- Rate: $100 – $180 per night
- INR: ₹8,000 – ₹14,000
- Website: Le Meridien Kochi
- Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty
- Rate: $160 – $300 per night
- INR: ₹13,000 – ₹24,000
- Website: Grand Hyatt Kochi
- Punnamada Resort
- Rate: $120 – $200 per night
- INR: ₹9,500 – ₹16,000
- Website: Punnamada Resort
- The Zuri Kumarakom
- Rate: $150 – $280 per night
- INR: ₹12,000 – ₹22,500
- Website: The Zuri Kumarakom
- Spice Village
- Rate: $110 – $180 per night
- INR: ₹8,500 – ₹14,000
- Website: Spice Village
- The Raviz Kovalam
- Rate: $130 – $230 per night
- INR: ₹10,500 – ₹18,500
- Website: The Raviz Kovalam
- Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra
- Rate: $200 – $350 per night
- INR: ₹16,000 – ₹28,000
- Website: Niraamaya Retreats
- Aida – $90 – $150 per night
- INR: ₹7,000 – ₹12,000
- Website: Aida
- Eighth Bastion
- Rate: $80 – $140 per night
- INR: ₹6,500 – ₹11,000
- Website: Eighth Bastion
- Hotel Fort Manor
- Rate: $70 – $130 per night
- INR: ₹5,500 – ₹10,500
- Website: Hotel Fort Manor
- Hotel Sea Pearl
- Rate: $60 – $120 per night
- INR: ₹4,500 – ₹9,500
- Website: Hotel Sea Pearl
- Ginger Trivandrum
- Rate: $50 – $100 per night
- INR: ₹4,000 – ₹8,000
- Website: Ginger Trivandrum
- OYO Rooms – Various locations
- Rate: $30 – $80 per night
- INR: ₹2,500 – ₹6,500
- Website: OYO Rooms
Transport Service Providers in Kerala
- Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC)
- Website: KSRTC
- Uber
- Website: Uber
- Ola Cabs
- Website: Ola
- Savaari Car Rentals
- Website: Savaari
- Keralabackwater
- Website: Keralabackwater
- Tata Motors Taxi Service
- Website: Tata Motors
- Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC)
- Website: [KTDC](https://www.ktdc
Tourists in Kerala, including solo women travelers, may face various scams and safety issues. Here’s a rundown of common scams reported by tourists and tips on how to stay safe:
Common Scams in Kerala
- Overcharging by Taxis and Auto Rickshaws
- Scam: Drivers may overcharge or refuse to use the meter.
- Tip: Always agree on a fare before starting the ride or insist on using the meter. Consider using ride-hailing apps like Uber or Ola, which are generally more reliable.
- Fake Tour Guides
- Scam: Individuals posing as official tour guides might overcharge or provide substandard services.
- Tip: Use reputable tour agencies and verify their credentials. Always check reviews and ask for recommendations from trusted sources.
- Bargain Shops and Spas
- Scam: Shops or spas might charge exorbitantly for goods or services that are not as advertised.
- Tip: Research prices beforehand and check reviews. Ensure that the spa or shop has clear pricing information.
- Phantom Hotels and Guesthouses
- Scam: Some unverified guesthouses might take bookings and then claim they are fully booked or offer substandard rooms.
- Tip: Book through well-known platforms and read recent reviews. Confirm bookings directly with the hotel.
- Overpriced Souvenirs
- Scam: Souvenir shops may charge significantly more than the actual value of the items.
- Tip: Shop around and compare prices. Be cautious of high-pressure sales tactics.
- Fake Ayurveda Treatments
- Scam: Some establishments may offer overpriced or ineffective treatments.
- Tip: Choose well-reviewed and certified Ayurveda centers. Check for qualifications and authentic treatments.
- Unlicensed Boat Tours
- Scam: Unauthorized boat operators may offer substandard or unsafe services.
- Tip: Opt for licensed and reputable boat tour operators. Verify safety measures and check reviews.
- Personal Security Scams
- Scam: Pickpocketing and bag-snatching can be common in crowded areas.
- Tip: Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings. Avoid displaying expensive items.
- Overpriced Tourist Packages
- Scam: Packages that promise a lot but deliver little, with hidden costs.
- Tip: Research packages thoroughly and read fine print. Avoid packages that seem too good to be true.
- Fake Charity Collectors
- Scam: Individuals claiming to collect for charities might pocket donations themselves.
- Tip: Donate to well-known and verified charities. Avoid giving money to individuals without proper credentials.
Safety Tips for Solo Women Travelers
- Stay in Reputable Accommodations:
- Choose hotels or guesthouses with positive reviews and good security measures. Websites like TripAdvisor, Booking.com, and Airbnb can be helpful.
- Use Reliable Transport:
- Prefer registered taxis, ride-hailing services, or trusted transport services. Avoid traveling alone at night.
- Avoid Isolated Areas:
- Stick to well-lit and populated areas, especially in the evenings. Avoid isolated beaches and areas after dark.
- Keep Important Numbers Handy:
- Have contact details of local authorities, emergency services, and your country’s embassy or consulate.
- Be Cautious with Personal Information:
- Be mindful of sharing personal details with strangers. Avoid discussing travel plans openly with unfamiliar people.
- Dress Modestly:
- While Kerala is relatively liberal, dressing modestly can help avoid unwanted attention and align with local customs.
- Learn Basic Local Phrases:
- Knowing some basic Malayalam or Hindi can help in communication and navigating through areas.
- Stay Connected:
- Keep your phone charged and have a local SIM card or roaming plan. Inform friends or family of your whereabouts regularly.
- Beware of Unsolicited Help:
- Be cautious if someone offers unsolicited help or insists on guiding you. Politely decline and seek help from official sources.
- Trust Your Instincts:
- If something feels off, trust your instincts and remove yourself from the situation. Prioritize your safety above all else.
By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, solo women travelers can significantly reduce their risk of encountering scams and ensure a safer and more enjoyable visit to Kerala.
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